The Grundy County guys are joining the gals and donning jerseys and hats adorned with pink plus matching belts and socks.
It might be hard for some to fathom, but they’re putting aside manly fashion for a special cause that has touched their hearts.
Today’s schedule at Grundy County High School includes “pink-out” games for baseball and softball.
“We were originally going to have breast cancer awareness games,” Yellow Jackets baseball coach Chase Jones said.
That was prior to the cancer-caused death last fall of school librarian Audrey Nunley, who left behind husband Keith and son Grant, who has special needs and turned 8 on Tuesday.
It was Nunley’s dream to build a ballfield for children with special needs, a goal she developed prior to being diagnosed with colon cancer four years ago. Keith promised her before she died that the field would become reality.
“Three years ago, her husband started Miracle on the Mountain to develop a park for special-needs children,” Grundy softball coach Jason Evans said. “It was Chase’s idea, but we were eager to jump on board. Proceeds from both games will go to Miracle on the Mountain.”
Rather than selling tickets for the games, the teams will solicit donations, and all proceeds from the concession stands will be added.
“Audrey wanted to build a park where special-needs children can play baseball,” Jones said. “It’s an all-synthetic field where wheelchairs can be used. She also wanted to build a full park where all kids can play together.”
Jones added that his baseball team was all for the idea when it originated.
“Our kids knew her very well, especially the seniors and juniors, and the seniors wanted to dedicate the season to Audrey,” he said. “When we get to huddle and break it down, rather than saying ‘Jackets’ or ‘win the day,’ we say ‘Miss Audrey.’ The boys want to do everything possible to get this thing built. They want Audrey’s dream to come true and for Grant to have the opportunity to play on it.”
Jones noted Keith has dedicated his life to making the dream come true and that the project has jumped behind him.
“The community has been very supportive, and numerous people in the community have really been pushing. It’s so much more than just the baseball and softball teams,” he said.
The site for the park has been established across the road from the high school, and groundbreaking ceremonies are scheduled for April 30.
Plans for the park include a playground with a themed area for each city in the county. It also will include the specially designed baseball field, which will be the first of its kind in the state.
To learn more about donating, visit miracleleagueofgrundycounty.com or search for the organization on Facebook.
Contact Ward Gossett at wgossett@timesfreepress.com or 423-886-4765. Follow him on Twitter @wardgossett.